Subsurface Storage System

ABSTRACT

One version of this disclosure includes a subsurface storage system having two components respectively made from a single mold: a panel and a connector. In this version, a first layer of the system includes at least one connector having an identical top side and bottom side where each side may respectively maintain a panel in a specified position when engaged with the panel. A plurality of panels, particularly the bottom edges of the panels, are configured into an engagement with the at least one connector to form a plurality of shapes. A third layer of the system is at least one connector that engages the upper edge of the panels. Additional panels may be positioned on the second layer of connectors. Further, additional panels may be positioned on the second layer of connectors to form another layer of shapes defined by the panels.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority from the disclosure of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/966,096, entitled “ISI Next GenerationSubsurface Water Storage,” filed Aug. 24, 2007, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates in general to subsurface storage systemsand, in particular, to underground water storage systems havinginterlocking cell layers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing subsurface storage units are known in the art. Such storageunits often include bulky, sizeable components that require varioushardware to construct and install. This increased complexity may requirefurther time and energy to build and install the storage system. Thesecosts may even exceed the cost of the storage system itself. The lack ofinterchangeability of components generally found in such systems mayfurther increase the cost of parts and labor required for service.

In some units, the bulkiness of the system makes it inefficient totransport the unit and/or its components. This may create a variety ofissues such as increased installation costs or requiring that the systembe constructed at a convenient location. The inability to install suchdevices on-site may make them expensive or even cost prohibitive. Thesize of such devices may also limit where they can be used. For example,if may be difficult to use such devices in shallow areas, where a needfor storage still exists.

Further, systems known in the art do not offer high void ratios. In thisversion, the term high void ratio refers to the percentage ratiocomparing the storage space available in an area after the installationof a storage unit and the storage space available in an area prior tothe installation of a storage unit (i.e. when the area is empty). Insome situations, it may be desirable to achieve a high void ratio toincrease the space available for storage purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention; it being understood, however, that this invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements shown. In the drawings, likereference numerals refer to like elements in the several views. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one version of a storage systemhaving a plurality of panels.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one of the plurality of panels shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative version of a panel.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a plurality of the panels of FIG. 1shown in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1 having aplurality of engagement members.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a honeycomb configuration of the panels ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one of the engagement members of FIG.5.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of the engagement between the connectorand the panel from the version of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the engagement shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 shows a plurality of connectors from the version of the system inFIG. 1 in an engaged position with each other.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a version of a system havingmultiple layers of panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of certain examples of the current applicationshould not be used to limit the scope of the present invention asexpressed in the appended claims. Other examples, features, aspects,embodiments, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following description. Accordingly, the figures anddescription should be regarded as illustrative in nature and notrestrictive.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicatethe same elements throughout the views, FIG. 1 depicts one version of astorage system (10). The storage system (10) shown in this versioncomprises a plurality of panels (20) engaged with a connector (30). Whenfully constructed, the connector (30) maintains the panels (20) in aconfiguration where the panels (20) form a plurality of hexagonalshapes. The plurality of hexagonal shapes function to support and definea void for the storage of water therein. The plurality of hexagonalshapes are configured to provide durable support to a cavity whileproviding sufficient volume for water retention. Further, additionalpanels (20) may be positioned adjacent to and aligned with the panels(20) currently shown in FIG. 1 to form additional hexagonal shapes asshown in FIG. 1. Any suitable number of hexagonal shapes may be providedsuch that a desired void or cavity may be filled and supported by thestorage system (10).

In one version, each of the plurality of panels (20) is shaped as shownin FIG. 2, where the panels (20) are configured to be engaged with oneanother during assembly to form a plurality of honeycomb shapes. In theillustrated version, each of the panels (20) have an identicalconfiguration that forms different portions of the honeycomb dependingon orientation. It will be appreciated that the panels (20) may have anysuitable polygonal shape and are not required to be of identicalconfigurations. For example, identical panels may be used to create anysuitable assembly of polygonal shapes or panels having differentconfigurations may be assembled into any suitable shape.

Referring to FIG. 2, the panel (20) has an elongated shape having aplurality of interconnected portion including a pair of couplingportions (24) and a plurality of inner portions (22). The plurality ofpanel portions (22) are rigidly connected one another at angles suchthat when multiple panels (20) are assembled a honeycomb or a pluralityof hexagonal shapes are formed. Any suitable angle of coupling betweenadjacent portions (22) may be provided to create the desiredconfiguration. In the version shown in FIG. 1, the portions (22), (24)are aligned with one another at an angle measuring approximately 120degrees. However, any suitable angle may be used.

In the version shown in FIG. 1, the panel (20) comprises five innerportions (22) and two coupling portions (24). The coupling portions (24)are half the size of the inner portions (22) such that when two couplingportions (24) are engaged during assembly a portion is formed having thesame dimensions as the inner portions (22). It will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the inner portions (22) may have the samelength and size as the coupling portions (24), or may be a fraction ofthe size as shown to facilitate coupling.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated version because the panels (20)have an identical configuration they may be stacked or nested within oneanother for transport. In this manner the panels (20) may be moved in arelatively small space and later assembled to support much larger voids.The uniform configuration of the panels (20) also allows for a storagestructure to be built with a minimal number of components. Theillustrated configuration thus may reduce transport, assembly, andproduction costs.

In one version, each panel (20) is approximately 48 inches in length, 12inches in height, and 0.1 inches thick. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that any suitable dimensions may be used. Forexample, the length of the panel may vary from 32 inches to 70 inches.Still it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the lengthof the panel (20) may be less than or greater than this range.Similarly, the panel (20) may have a height ranging from 4 inches to 20inches. Still it will be understood by those skilled in the art that theheight of the panel (20) may be less than or greater than this range.The panel (20) may have a thickness ranging from 0.060 inches to 0.250inches. Still it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thethickness of the panel (20) may be less than or greater than this range.

In the version shown, each portion (22), (24) has a generallyrectangular frame having slats defining a plurality of voids (26)therein. The portions (22), (24) may have any suitable frame or slatconfiguration to provide maximum strength with a minimum amount ofmaterial. For example, the frames may be hourglass shaped, have concaveedges, or any other suitable shape. The portions (22), (24) may have anysuitable slat or support structures, may have only a frame, or may havea solid configuration. Various portions may also have differentconfigurations.

Design of the panels (20) and the portions (22), (24) may depend upon anumber of factors including characteristics relating to the type ofmaterial from which the panels (20) are produced, the load to besupported by the panels (20), the aesthetic appeal of the panels (20),and manufacturing costs. Increasing the size of the voids (26) may limitthe structural design of the panels (20) such that the panels (20)cannot withstand the necessary forces exerted against it. The shape ofthe voids (26) may depend upon the structural design of the panel (20)or portions (22), (24). In one version, the panels (20) are configuredor extruded from a polymer or plastic material, although any suitablematerial or manufacturing technique may be used. For example, the panels(20) may be constructed out of polypropylene. The panels (20) may alsobe produced from a single mold.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other suitabledesigns for the panel (20) may be used, including that shown in FIG. 4depicting a second version of a panel (40) having a plurality ofinterconnected portions (42). Each portion (42) has two side edges (45).At least one side edge (45) of each portion (42) is adjacent to a sideedge of another portion (42). The adjacent portions (42) may be alignedor configured to produce any suitable angle. In this version, the angleproduced equals approximately 120 degrees, although any suitable shapeor configuration is contemplated.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a plurality of panels (20) are engaged andassembled with the connector (30), which is also shown in FIG. 5. Theconnector may be any suitable component configured to engage a firstpanel and a second panel or a plurality of panels. The version of theconnector (30) shown resembles a star shape and has radiating portionsthat may connect multiple panels (20). The connector (30) may have anysuitable shape such as, for example, a diamond-shaped connector, a roundconnection, a rectangular connector, an X-shaped connector, or the like,may be used. Further, the term shape may not necessarily encompass aclosed shape.

In the version shown in FIG. 5, the bottom and top sides of theconnector (30) are not identical. This will be explained in more detaillater. However, in at least some sense, the connector (30) is reversiblebecause the top side of the connector (30) may simultaneously engage thesame number of panels (20) as the bottom side of the connector (30). Inone version, the connector (30) is capable of engaging up to sevenpanels (20). It will be understood by those skilled in the art thatother suitable versions of the connector (30) may be used. The connector(30) may have any suitable shape, may be configured from any suitablematerial such as a polymer or plastic, and may be manufactured by anysuitable method such as, for example, from a single mold. Likewise, theconnector (30) may be identical on both its bottom side and its topside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connector (30) may simultaneously engage aplurality of panels (20) to maintain a plurality of panels (20) in aparticular position. In one version, no hardware or equipment is neededto assemble the connector (30) with each of the plurality of panels(20). The connector (30) may be engaged with each of the plurality ofpanels (20) with a snap fit, a friction fit, a clasp, a lock, a hook andloop fastener, a slide, or any other suitable coupling.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom side of the connector (30) is engagedwith a plurality of panels (20). The top side of the connector (30) mayalso engage a plurality of panels (20). This configuration of theconnector (30) allows for panels (20) to be configured adjacent oneanother to form a hexagonal shape. Assembling numerous hexagonal shapesadjacent each other forms the honeycomb shape seen in FIG. 1.

In another configuration of panels (20) shown in FIG. 6, two hexagonshapes are produced when three panels (20) are configured into theillustrated positions. As shown, assembling the panels (20-A), (20-B),and (20-C) in the manner shown forms the two hexagonal shapes adjacentone another. The plurality of hexagonal shapes being positioned adjacentto one another forms a honeycomb shape.

When the panels (20) are assembled, the connector (30) maintains thepanels (20) in their respective positions with a plurality of engagementmembers (34). In one version, the engagement members (34) have threeelongated slots (36), as shown in FIG. 7. The three slots (36) projectradially from a single intersection point and are spaced at angledintervals of approximately 120 degrees.

Each slot (36) is configured to engage an edge of a panel (20) to retainthe panel (20) when assembled. For example, in the illustrated version,the slot (36) snaps into engagement with the panel (20) as shown inFIGS. 8A-8B. It will be understood that any suitable technique orstructure may be used to engage the slot (36) with the panel (20). Forexample, the panel (20) may slide, couple, lock, snare, or snap into theslot (36).

As mentioned earlier in regards to the version shown in FIG. 5, thebottom side and the top side of the connector (30) may not be identical.One of the sides may be described as a flush side where the engagementmembers (34) on that side are flush with the respective portions of theconnector (30) with which the respective engagement members (34)intersect. This flush side of the connector (30) may be positionedagainst a surface with which the storage system (10) contacts. Further,this flush side of the connector (30) may be positioned relativelyupwards to minimize the chance of those traveling proximal the connector(30) from contacting a heightened part of the connector (30). Likewise,the engagement members (34) on the opposite side of the connector (30)may not be flush with the respective portions of the connector (30) withwhich they interact. This side of the connector (30) may be positionedrelatively downwards to minimize the chance of those traveling proximalthe connector (30) from contacting a heightened part of the connector(30). One example where individuals may be traveling proximal theconnector (30) includes where layers of honeycomb are being assembledonto each other.

As shown in FIG. 7, the engagement member (34) is flush with at leastone portion of the connector (30) with which it interacts. In someversions, various numbers or groups of engagement members (34) may beflush with the connector (30). Further, these various numbers or groupsmay or may not be on the same side of the connector (30).

Configuring additional panels (20) to engage the top side of a connector(30) where the bottom side is respectively engaged with other panels(20) forms a multi-layered system. In one version, because the top sideand the bottom side of the connector (30) are identical, the hexagonalshapes produced on various layers are aligned with each other. Inanother version, the hexagonal shapes produced on various layers may notalign with each other. One example where this non-alignment would existis in a version where the groups of slots (36) on each respective sideof the connector (30) were not aligned in the same direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, one version of the connector (30) further comprisesa male component (38) and a female component (39). The connector (30)engages another connector (30) by engaging a respective male component(38) and a respective female component (39) as shown in FIG. 9. It willbe understood by those skilled in the art that any technique orstructure may be used to couple the plurality of the connectors (30).For example, the connectors (30) may be configured to engage each otherwith a snap fit, a friction fit, or any other suitable coupling.

As shown in FIG. 5, the connector (30) comprises a plurality of malecomponents (38) and female components (39). Three of each component(38), (39), for example, are respectively positioned on the bottom sideand the top side of the connector (30). As shown in FIG. 5, the threeidentical components on the same side of the connector (30) arepositioned at consecutive outer points of the connector (30). It will beunderstood that other suitable configurations for the components (38),(39) may be used. For example, the location of the different components(38), (39) may alternate along the outer points of the connector (30).

As mentioned earlier, the bottom side and the top side of the connector(30) are identical. Therefore, both sides of the connector (30) mayengage panels (20). In this circumstance, a multilayered system iscreated where each layer contains a different row of panels (20)respectively engaged with a connector (30). Regardless of whether apanel (20) is positioned above or below the connector (30), the panel(20) engages the connector (30) in the same manner. As mentionedearlier, various techniques and systems may be used to achieve thisengagement. For example, the panel (20) and the connector (30) mayrespectively snap into engagement.

An expansive multi-layer system may be configured from the componentsdescribed herein. Each layer of panels (20) may be continually expandedby adding further panels (20) and connectors (30) onto the existingplatform. The panels (20) would continue to increase the number ofhexagonal shapes formed and thus further expand the honeycomb shapeformed by the hexagonal shapes.

One version of a method of use for the version of the storage system(10) comprises creating a cavity in which to place the storage system(10). The surface of the cavity may be layered with a geogrid material.At least one connector (30) may be positioned on the bottom surface ofthe cavity. A plurality of the connectors (30) may be positioned on thebottom surface of the cavity depending upon the size of the cavity. Inthis version, if the connectors (30) have a side that is flush, theflush side of the connector (30) may be placed in contact with thebottom surface of the cavity.

After positioning at least one connector (30) on the bottom surface ofthe cavity, a plurality of panels (20) are engaged with this first levelof the connector (30). The plurality of panels (20) are positioned suchthat the panels (30) are aligned in the same direction as shown in FIG.6.

The respective first layer of panels (20) and the connectors (30) may beconfigured to snap into engagement with each other. More particularly,the bottom edge of the panels (20) and the respective connector (30) areconfigured to engage each other. The panels (20) will continue to bepositioned until an adequate number is present in an adequateconfiguration.

The first layer of panels (20) will form a series of hexagonal shapes.The hexagonal shapes will in turn form a honeycomb shape. A secondhoneycomb-shaped layer may then be added onto the first layer as shownin FIG. 10. The first step in adding this additional layer ispositioning a second layer of connectors (30) to engage the upper edgeof at least two different panels (20) from the first layer of panels(20). Depending upon the number of the panels (20) in the first layer,various numbers of connectors (30) may be used. The connector (30) maybe engaged with more than two panels (20) depending upon the number ofthe first layer of panels (20). Likewise, if connectors (30) have aflush side are being used, the flush side of the connectors (30) may bepositioned facing upwards such that the non-flush side of the connectors(30) would engage the respective panels (20).

After configuring the second layer of connectors (30) and the upper edgeof the first layer of panels (20) into engagement, a second layer ofpanels (20) is positioned in engagement with the second layer ofconnectors (30). This second layer of panels is configured in a similarmanner compared to the first layer meaning that the plurality of panels(20) is aligned in the same direction as shown in FIG. 6.

This second layer of panels (20) may then be engaged with a third layerof connectors (30). The connectors (30) secure the respective positionof the second layer of the panels (20) by engaging the respective topedges of the panels (20). Any suitable number of layers may be added tothis foundation.

This version of a storage system described in this exemplary method maybe used for any suitable purpose. For example, this version of a systemmay be used to accumulate or store water underground. Likewise, thisversion of a storage system may be used to store some other substance.For example, this version of the storage system may be used to store aliquid other than water. The void ratio produced from this version maymeasure at least 90% where the void ratio compares the available storagespace in the cavity prior to the construction of the system and afterthe construction of the system. Still, it will be understood that othersuitable void ratios may be produced using this system. For example, avoid ratio measuring at least 94% may be produced.

The versions presented in this disclosure are examples. Having shown anddescribed various versions, further adaptations of the methods andsystems described herein may be accomplished by appropriatemodifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe scope of the invention defined by the claim below. Several of suchpotential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparentto those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments,ratios, steps, and the like discussed above may be illustrative and notrequired. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beconsidered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to belimited to the details of structure and operation shown and described inthe specification and drawings.

1. A storage system comprising: (a) a plurality of elongate panels, eachof the plurality of elongate panels comprising a plurality of adjacentportions, wherein each of the plurality of adjacent portions is angledrelative to each adjacent portion; and (b) a connector, the connectorconfigured to retain the plurality of elongate panels in an assembledconfiguration.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the pluralityelongate panels are arranged into hexagonal shapes.
 3. The storagesystem of claim 1, wherein the elongate panels further comprise aplurality of inner portions and a plurality of coupling portions.
 4. Thestorage system of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of innerportions has substantially the same dimensions.
 5. The storage system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of adjacent portions are angled at from110 degrees to 130 degrees relative to each adjacent portion.
 6. Thestorage system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of adjacent portionsare angled at 120 degrees relative to each adjacent portion.
 7. Thestorage system of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises at least oneengagement member configured to accept each of the plurality of elongatepanels.
 8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the connector ispositioned transverse to each of the plurality of elongate panels. 9.The storage system of claim 1, where the connector comprises a pluralityof connectors configured to retain the plurality of elongate panels inthe assembled configuration.
 10. A subsurface storage system comprising:(a) a first layer comprising at least one connector, wherein eachconnector includes at least one engaging member; (b) a second layercomprising a plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality ofpanels comprises a bottom edge and a top edge, wherein each of theplurality of panels is positioned adjacent to at least one other panel,wherein each of the plurality of panels is engaged with the at least oneconnector; and (c) a third layer comprising at least one connector,wherein the at least one connector is engaged with at least one top edgeof the plurality of panels.
 11. The storage system of claim 10, whereinthe first layer, the second layer, and the third layer form at least onehexagonal cell.
 12. The storage system of claim 11, further comprising aplurality of hexagonal cells.
 13. The storage system of claim 12,further comprising a fourth layer, wherein the fourth layer comprises aplurality of panels engaged with the at least one connector of the thirdlayer.
 14. The storage system of claim 12, further comprising a fifthlayer, wherein the fifth layer comprises at least one connector engagedwith the plurality of panels of the fourth layer.